Are we really free “to be, to do and to live?”
As I entered my client location today which happens to be a wonderful hotel after the Independence Day long weekend here, being welcomed with a warm genuine smile by the front desk team felt terrific.
One of the more timid girls at the reception asked me “Sir, and how did you spend your Independence Day?” With the intent of making them think and think hard I replied, “I was trying to figure out the list of factors that control and influence my life and those I need to be really free from”.
In fact, I had been pondering about this over the last 24 hours from the time the nation began celebrating its 64th year of Independence. Here’s my question to you – Are you really free?
Being yourself and your ability to make choices, live a life that you really dream or want is how I would like to define freedom. While there are many External factors that influence our freedom, I classify them asEnvironment, Conditions, People and Things.
If you have to behave in a manner in which you are not comfortable or rather not used to, this is an example of the “Environment” which compels behavior modifications. While this may be to some degree positive in shaping your etiquette, If it is distressing and not understood by you, chances are it will only get worse.
If you are still working for an industry / company where you no longer enjoy what you do (or) you are attempting to learn/educate yourself by force than by choice (or) your family background and socio economic status does not allow you to be what you want to be, then these are classic examples of “Conditions”.
There is no end to the list of “People” who we need to think of or consult before making choices or decisions which may or may not affect them – Our parents, spouse, children, siblings, lover, friends, boss etc.
Have you read so far without answering your mobile, reading an SMS, or being pinged by a contact on Google, twitter, facebook or not compelled to look at some sensational news on TV, you know what “Things” I am talking about J
Awareness of Internal Factors like deep seated Inner thoughts, Jealousy, Worries, Fear, and Negativity is an important step in declaring independence of the inner self – True liberation and a Sense of Consciousness.
Perhaps the most dangerous of all and the one to be chased away…Paying attention? I just said Chase away not just to be free from is being “I, ME, MYSELF”. I dread mentioning this word like how none of the witches and wizards in Harry Potter Series dare speak Lord Voldemorts name, instead referring to him as “You-Know-Who”, “He-Who-Must-Not-Be-Named” or “the Dark Lord”. Yes for once and one last time, let me say it in a hush hush tone and don’t read it aloud – ego.
Let me share a true story from Naval Proceedings Manual that Stephen Covey narrates on a different context;
On a dark and stormy night, the Captain of a ship at sea received a frantic wake up call.
“Captain, Captain, Wake Up”.
“What is it?”
“Sorry to wake you, Sir, bit we have a real problem”
“What is it?”
“There is a ship in our sea lane, several miles away and they refuse to move”.
“Tell them to move”.
“We have, Sir. They just won’t move”.
“I’ll tell them. Move starboard 20 degrees”
The signal returned, “Move starboard yourself, 20 degrees”
“I can’t believe this”, roared the Captain. “Who is this joker? Does he know I am the Captain, tell him who I am”.
The signal goes out, “This is Captain Horatio Hornblower, the 26th, commanding you to move starboard 20 degrees, at once”
The signal returns, “This is Seaman Carl Jones, the 3rd, commanding you to move starboard 20 degrees, at once”
“I can’t believe this. What arrogance. We are a battleship. We could blow them out of the water. Let him know who we are!”
“This is mighty Missouri, flagship of the seventh fleet”.
The signal returned, “This is the lighthouse” J
I must say that I am still learning not to be a prisoner or victim of you-know-what J and of course don’t forget, how free you are depends on your state of mind too – Keep it positive and Stay conscious and live in the present.
Happy Independence Day!!!
